Programs

The African American Community Service Agency is available to community members seven days a week. Our facilities open early and close late to accommodate busy schedules. Following are some of the programs in which our community can participate by supporting via donation or as a volunteer.

The Vision Behind Our Programs

The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) recognizes education and opportunity are the pathways to a meaningful life. It is reflected in the quote, “Education means emancipation.” by Frederick Douglass. The AACSA strives to educate its community in health and wellness, economic development, human services, and most of all education.

The existence of people from African and African American descent in Santa Clara County continues to scatter and slowly decline. Many of the past residents have relocated to the outskirts of the Bay Area i.e. Tracy, Modesto, Stockton, Antioch, Vallejo or left the state of California entirely. For the 2.4 - 2.8% remaining, the access to centralized culturally relevant community resources, networks of influence, investment, educators, education support systems, products and services have disappeared.

The AACSA Meaningful Life Initiative (AMLI) will ensure the remaining scattered population of African and African American descent is provided the village it needs to thrive, find meaningful purpose in their lives and continue to contribute to the diverse entrepreneurship, ingenuity and economic success of Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County. The AMLI, will host culturally relevant events, celebrations of community, cradle to beyond retirement education support systems, access to county and other social services.

Education

The Beyond School Hours program contains a collaboration of various programs designed to address the educational, health, emotional, awareness, and mental development of youth beyond their school activities. This program includes the following:

Computer Training Center

The Computer Training Center program includes computer education in software/ hardware, multi-media training, and other technology programs. This program model has a controlled environment that is innovative and offers an opportunity for community reintegration with private, public and community partnering.

Young Adults Education Workshop

The Young Adults Education Workshop program provides workshops and seminars designed to prepare young adults in transitioning to adult life. The program includes seminars like interview techniques, resume writing, how to dress for success, financial management, volunteerism etc.

Health & Wellness Program

The Health & Wellness Program provides events, workshops and seminars that deal with the health/mental and emotional development of the community. This program includes the following:

Silicon Valley African American Cultural Center Project

The San Jose, the Capital of the Silicon Valley, has always been known for its diversity and cultural crossroads. Historically, African Americans have been at the forefront of civic works, education and technological development in the Silicon Valley. It is because of this cultural richness that created a need for a central location for cultural preservation in the Valley. The Cultural Center Project is a joint venture between the African-American Community Services Agency (AACSA) and the Antioch Housing and Economic Development Corporation (AHEDC) of Antioch Baptist Church.These two organizations have partnered to develop the only Cultural Center of its kind in the Silicon Valley. More than just a Cultural Center, the African-American Cultural Center Project is a state-of-the-art, mixed use, multi-faceted project, encompassing, a new modern "Green built" Community Center, with housing attached. Green build construction derives enhanced benefits in the health, economic, and environmental areas of living thereby improving overall quality of life.This is a community, grassroots endeavor in which the community, businesses, and organizations will be engaged to make this endeavor a huge success. To learn more about this project, how you can be involved and/or join our future monthly newsletter, visit our site at http://www.svaacc.org.

Information Referral Center

The Information Referral Center program addresses a major need that has been identified by the community. The program provides a web portal where organizations, churches and other non-profit organizations can post a profile advertising services and activities that are beneficial to the community. Community members can access the portal to search for organizations that provide the services they need. This portal also provides the ability for organizations to post information that the community finds valuable like programs, events and activities that are happening in their community.

Career Information Center

The  Career Information Center provides tools, services and activities designed to help the community find jobs, internship opportunities and obtain guidance for career development. Career Center visitors can search for jobs and internships using our computers,  job listings, and volunteer postings. The Agency organizes and sponsors job fairs and seminars that cover a broad range of helpful topics - from interview techniques to how to dress for success, and offers workshops that allow the community to network and share their experiences.

Referral Network for Social Services

For more information on any of our programs contact the Agency at 408.292.3276 or email us at [email protected] If you are interested in working with the Fundraising Committee on any one of the programs listed, please send your interest to us at [email protected]. Please include your contact info and which program(s) in which you are interested in volunteering. We are accepting donations in which you can specify which program(s) you want to support or you can make a general donation.
Education
Health & Wellness
Economic Development
Social Services
Racial & Social Justice
Family Resource Center (FRC) First 5 Santa Clara County